Janet Lee Carey

Janet Lee Carey was born in New York and grew up under the towering redwoods in the Bay Area. She now lives in the Seattle area. As a child she discovered the door into a vast, magical country each time she opened the cover of a book. She quickly fell in love with reading and dreamed of becoming a writer. Janet learned courage through the power of story, and believes story transforms lives. Her novels for children and young adults have earned her the Mark Twain Award, Finalist Washington State Book Award, ALA Best Books for Young Adults, and NYPL Best Books for the Teen Age. Her newest medieval fantasy, Dragonswood (Dial Books 2012) received starred reviews from School Library Journal and Kirkus.

Statistics have shown that children who read are more compassionate. The "giving back" page on her website links each new book to a charitable organization, challenging teens to read and reach out. Concerned over the changes happening in our libraries, Janet created a blog two years ago. Library Lions gives school and public librarians a place to roar for libraries and showcase their outstanding youth programs.

Teaching Experience:
Janet taught special education before leaving to raise her family and invest in her writing career. For ten years she taught novel writing at Lake Washington Vocational College and Bellevue College. She now focuses on presenting workshops for writing conferences, and enjoys meeting readers, teachers and librarians on her school visits.
Janet's assemblies are designed for upper middle grades, middle schools, and high schools. In "Words on the Wing," lively discussion invites students to see how stories expand cultural awareness, increase respect for others and for the earth. "Dream Catcher" gives students seven tools to set goals and begin the step-by-step journey to reach their dreams.

"Thank you for a very enjoyable guest author presentation yesterday. Janet's message is tailored so perfectly to our middle school audience. She identifies with our girls and encourages their literary interests by example. Thanks to Michele [from Provato Events] for making the event come together smoothly. You made it easy and reminded me of all the details in good time. Janet your presentation is the highlight of our Love your Library week this year. Thanks for sharing your many talents with our students."-Sarah Ellison, School Librarian, Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

“Evergreen Junior High was lucky to have author Janet Lee Carey stop by for a visit. Ms. Carey talked with a group of 90 7th and 8th graders. Her presentation was interesting, engaging, and informative. Students and teachers alike walked away with gems of knowledge for future reference… I know that I sure did!” - Shauna Yusko, School Librarian